Introduction
Crab Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and flavorful dish made with tender crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a smooth dressing. It is perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, light lunches, or as a side dish for gatherings. Whether you use fresh crab or imitation crab, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of textures and flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
1 pound crab meat or imitation crab (flake or chunk style)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
(Optional additions)
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar for a sweeter dressing
Instructions
Chop the crab meat into bite-sized pieces if needed.
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Add celery, red onion, and fresh herbs to the dressing and stir.
Fold in the crab meat gently until everything is well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Serve chilled as a salad, sandwich filling, or with crackers.
Description
This Crab Salad is creamy yet light, with sweet crab pieces, crunchy vegetables, and a bright, zesty dressing. The combination of herbs and spices enhances the seafood flavor without overpowering it. It is versatile, easy to prepare, and deliciously refreshing.
Tips
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
For a lighter version, replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Chop ingredients finely for a smoother, scoopable salad.
Chill before serving; it improves taste and texture.
If using fresh crab, make sure to remove any shell pieces.
Variations
Add sweet corn for extra crunch and color.
Mix in diced apples or pineapple for a fruity twist.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for more protein.
Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Turn it into a pasta salad by mixing it with cooked macaroni or shells.
Correction
If the salad becomes too watery, drain excess liquid and add more mayonnaise.
If too thick, stir in a small splash of lemon juice or milk.
If overly salty, add more crab or vegetables to balance it.
Enjoy
Serve your chilled Crab Salad on sandwiches, inside lettuce wraps, or alongside crackers for a refreshing and satisfying meal.